• Spy-photos of the upcoming 2012 R172 SLK55 AMG

                    
      		   
      Published on 05-23-2011 10:45 PM
      2 Comments Comments
      Mercedes has been testing the upcoming 2012 SLK55 AMG on the ring and photographers have captured the newest test model. The sideskirts and front fascia are more aggressive as expected along with the typical oval shaped quad exhaust. The question remains, what motor will it have? The current rumor is that it will have an M157 twin turbo based variant just without the turbos. We find that a bit disappointing as if going the naturally aspirated route at least give it the M156 out of the C63 AMG. This little car has a lot of potential but Mercedes holds the SLK back to prevent it from stepping on the toes of its big brother AMG's.







      This article was originally published in forum thread: Spy-photos of the upcoming 2012 R172 SLK55 AMG started by Sticky View original post
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      1. Exeenom's Avatar
        Exeenom - 05-24-2011, 03:23 PM
        While at the AMG driving academy, my group and I got to drive the SLK55 twice in two sessions, as we volunteered to setup the autocross extension.... without a doubt, that car was most fun to throw around the turns. It was light and very nimble around the track. I loved the way it handled. I am wondering if that is the reason they want to keep it naturally aspirated versus going with forced induction - although with today's aggressive emission standards, putting a naturally aspirated engine may prove to be costly.
      1. Sticky's Avatar
        Sticky - 05-24-2011, 05:19 PM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by Exeenom Click here to enlarge
        While at the AMG driving academy, my group and I got to drive the SLK55 twice in two sessions, as we volunteered to setup the autocross extension.... without a doubt, that car was most fun to throw around the turns. It was light and very nimble around the track. I loved the way it handled. I am wondering if that is the reason they want to keep it naturally aspirated versus going with forced induction - although with today's aggressive emission standards, putting a naturally aspirated engine may prove to be costly.
        The SLK is a blast to drive, I definitely agree with you. I think the reason they keep it naturally aspirated is simply so it doesn't blow the other AMG's away for far less money. I don't like that...